Getting inked!

I'm a huge fan of tattoos. Initially I was hesitant to get any because I quite like my body as it is and couldn't imagine there would be much I'd want permanently on my skin. I tossed around a few ideas in my late teenager years, before I could even get one. I liked the idea of a turtle or wolf, two animals I've always had an affinity for.

When I turned eighteen I went into my first parlour to ask questions and was greeted with a less than savoury attitude. I wanted something small and was merely inquiring as to the cost of a tattoo, but the artist seemed put off by me and his response was hostile. He informed me that it wasn't judged by size (A total lie, by the way...because the size of the tattoo is in direct correlation to the amount of time it will take and tattoo artists charge by the hour.) and that my design idea of a wolf silhouette was too detailed and small and would look terrible in a matter of years.

My next attempt wasn't until I was nineteen and the approach of a cold winter was reminding me of how much I hate November. I wanted to do something awesome, just for me, to celebrate who I was. I messed around with designs for months and came up with a simple one for my forearm. I drew it there for three months straight, until I felt naked when it washed off and I was certain it was a permanently altering piece of work I wouldn't regret.

The day I went to get my tattoo I was quite nervous but excited. I didn't know what the pain would be like and I was worried it would be unbearable. Two of my oldest and dearest friends accompanied me on the adventure and I suspect all three of us were surprised to see me, normally a wuss, completely blissed out under the gun. The sensation is truly indescribable and the meaning behind a piece I designed myself being put somewhere that it would always remind me of my inner strength made for a profound experience.

I have since added to my collection and recently delved into a leg sleeve, something I've mentioned before. This piece is the first I haven't designed for myself and choosing to let another artist create something for me caused great anxiety at first. I absolutely love my artist though and she really managed to capture what I wanted in the representation of three of the most influential and powerful animals in my life: A dragon, a wolf and a turtle.

I just had the colour started. The turtle and wolf are complete and in early October I'm having the dragon done. Late November is the set date to finish it off, touch ups and background, as long as time and money allow.

I love the artwork I've chosen to decorate my body with. I totally recommend it if you've ever thought about it. take your time to choose something meaningful and beautiful and choose an artist you know will do the best representation of what you'd like, but totally take the plunge.